Community-Based Internships and Apprenticeships

This gateway to Community-Based Transformational Learning (CBTL) places students in work-like environments for an extended period of time to practice work related skills and polish their professional disposition. Above all else, successful apprenticeship/internship programs combine on the job training in meaningful, real-world settings with relevant, supplemental instruction. The relationship between the student and the organization should be mutually beneficial in the sense that the student works with a skilled worker to gain career specific "know how" and in turn becomes an important part of the establishment.

What makes apprenticeships and internships unique?

The purpose is generally to offer students opportunities to develop their professional demeanor and practice work related skills

These experiences usually require that students have increased proficiency with content knowledge and skills of the discipline

Students should expect to participate in sustained periods of direct engagement (often 30+ hours of time with the community) over the course of a semester

Interaction with the community is recurrent and usually on a professional level

Most faculty find that apprenticeships and internships require frequent opportunities for reflection so students can adequately process their experience. These reflections tend to highlight students’ application of content knowledge as well as their interaction with the community.

What are some of the common forms of community-based apprenticeships and internships?

Cooperative Education

Internships

Field Placements

Practicums

I want to create my own apprenticeship/internship. Where can I find support?

There are several offices and departments at UNF that can assist you in developing and implementing specific aspects of your academic internship program.